Examining the Link Between Public Transit Use and Active Commuting

Melissa Bopp, Vikash V. Gayah and Matthew E. Campbell
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Melissa Bopp: Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
Vikash V. Gayah: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
Matthew E. Campbell: Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA

IJERPH, 2015, vol. 12, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: Background : An established relationship exists between public transportation (PT) use and physical activity. However, there is limited literature that examines the link between PT use and active commuting (AC) behavior. This study examines this link to determine if PT users commute more by active modes. Methods : A volunteer, convenience sample of adults ( n = 748) completed an online survey about AC/PT patterns, demographic, psychosocial, community and environmental factors. t -test compared differences between PT riders and non-PT riders. Binary logistic regression analyses examined the effect of multiple factors on AC and a full logistic regression model was conducted to examine AC. Results : Non-PT riders ( n = 596) reported less AC than PT riders. There were several significant relationships with AC for demographic, interpersonal, worksite, community and environmental factors when considering PT use. The logistic multivariate analysis for included age, number of children and perceived distance to work as negative predictors and PT use, feelings of bad weather and lack of on-street bike lanes as a barrier to AC, perceived behavioral control and spouse AC were positive predictors. Conclusions : This study revealed the complex relationship between AC and PT use. Further research should investigate how AC and public transit use are related.

Keywords: active transportation; public transit; physical activity; health; commuting (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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